International Business From Domestic Business Commerce Essay Example

significant volume importance in this industry.

Introduction

The domestic concerns are less complex and simpler compared to international concerns. This simplicity makes it easier to establish and run a domestic business. However, international concerns offer opportunities for accessing cutting-edge technology in the market. This allows companies to provide top-notch products to their customers. For instance, Apple Inc. engages in international business endeavors to utilize advanced technology.

Petroleum is a natural substance used for producing various chemical products, such as plastics, pesticides, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. The petroleum industry has three main components: upstream, midstream, and downstream. PETRONAS focuses on improving hydrocarbon resources and productivity in all fields through its upstream activities. In the downstream sector, PETRONAS employs technology to enhance throughput and productivity in oil, gas, and petrochemical operations. Shell Oil Company is a major player in the United States involved in both upstream and downstream operations - including oil and gas production, natural gas distribution, petrochemical manufacturing, and gasoline retailing.

Shell Oil Company focuses on oil and gas research and extraction, working with both international and national oil companies. They mix the extracted oil with natural gas, cool it to a liquid form, and deliver it worldwide to clients. Their upstream operations also involve converting natural gas into liquids (GLT) for cleaner fuel options. The Projects and Technology organization plays a vital role in Shell's global performance by providing technical services and expertise in both upstream and downstream activities. Additionally, Shell Oil Company offers valuable technical information on various engineering advancements.

The research objectives of this study include identifying consumer perceptions of local and foreign gasoline, determining the characteristics of oil brands that influence consumer preferences, and examining how demographics

impact preferences for gasoline. The study aims to address specific questions regarding consumers' perceptions of Malaysian gasoline based on multi-attribute criteria, the main characteristics that influence preferences for choosing a gasoline station, and whether demographic profiles affect preferences for different types of gasoline. The literature review explains that the crude oil industry consists of private sector companies involved in exploring, producing, refining, and marketing oil products. Some companies undertake all these functions, while others specialize in certain aspects and are referred to as independents.Certain companies are involved in business operations in different countries. For example, many of them are engaged in the manufacturing of petrochemicals and other chemical products.

According to Baharun (1997), the narrative of the universe's crude oil began on 28 August 1859, when Colonel Edwin Laurentine Drake drilled the universe's first commercially successful oil well near a small American village called Titusville in northwestern Pennsylvania. Titusville became the site of the universe's first oil well and the true potential of crude oil was discovered, thus giving rise to the birth of the crude oil industry. The gasoline in Malaysia plays a very important role, primarily being consumed by local industry, transportation, and household sectors, which absorb about half of the total production. Malaysia's national oil company, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), dominates upstream and downstream activities in the country's oil sector. Petronas is the only remaining solely state-owned enterprise in Malaysia and is the single-largest contributor to government revenues. Petronas holds exclusive ownership rights to all exploration and production projects in Malaysia, and all foreign and private companies must operate through Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) with the national oil company.

Shell Malaysia operates in

three sectors: Upstream International, Downstream, and Projects ; Technology. Furthermore, Shell has established various hub businesses in Malaysia that provide services and expertise to the Asia Pacific region and occasionally globally. The automotive industry has witnessed rapid expansion in recent times, mainly driven by a growing demand for cars. The target demographic for this sector usually consists of individuals aged 16 and above with unique purchasing behaviors and preferences.

Consumers have varying preferences when it comes to selecting gasoline, considering factors such as price, location, and type. For those in a rush, it is important to find a nearby station conveniently. Even with limited options, consumers prioritize locating their preferred station that is closest to them.

Value is the perception a consumer has of the benefits of a product compared to its cost. This perception can be both qualitative, related to the emotional or psychological pleasure derived from the product or service, and quantitative, related to the actual financial gain it provides. Quality is closely connected to value and is considered when assessing the value of a product or service. It refers to how a product or service compares to competitors or meets measurable standards. Some consumers prioritize both value and quality when deciding which gasoline to purchase as they conduct research to determine which gasoline will provide them with maximum utility.

Frequently, people regularly engage in the practice of determining choices, whether consciously or unconsciously. This is especially true because gas stations offer a limited range of products, allowing consumers to make decisions. According to Kotabe and Helsen (1988), a global brand is defined as one that can be found in multiple countries. While it may vary

across countries, localized versions of the brand share a common objective and similar identity. Essentially, global brands maintain consistent brand names and/or logos. Brands also represent how consumers perceive products, with some individuals choosing to purchase products based on their brand status. Generally, consumers are more likely to buy well-known brands rather than local ones.

Appealing advertisements attract consumers to the product. Demand is the consumer's desire and willingness to pay for a specific good or service. When demand increases, so does the price of the product, and vice versa. Since the government controls the price of gasoline, consumers do not face pricing issues. Despite any dissatisfaction with pricing, consumers will still be willing to pay for gasoline because it is necessary.

METHODOLOGY

This is where research is conducted using secondary and primary sources for both global and local businesses.

According to the questionnaire we distributed, it is clear that there is a segment of individuals who favor utilizing SHELL over PETRONAS as their crude oil for vehicles. Alongside the survey, we also carried out face-to-face and telephone interviews, website surveys, and group discussions. Additionally, secondary research from various sources including books, magazines, journals, websites, and news further reinforces consumer preference for SHELL. Methodology refers to the utilization of appropriate methods in conducting the research.

Methodology is a subdivision of information that deals with survey methods and the principles of organizing information, including theoretical analysis. It also involves resistance to consumer study in order to assess the suitability of methods used. Methodology encompasses tools for determining how to deploy and explain principles. Research in methodology entails collecting and analyzing relevant materials, defining researchers' objectives and actions, analyzing research, and gathering

data.

Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research are distinct methodologies with different approaches. Quantitative research deals with numerical data, while Qualitative Research deals with non-numerical data. In quantitative research, only measurable information is collected and analyzed. Conversely, qualitative research concentrates on verbal information without measurement. The analysis of gathered information in qualitative research is subjective and interpretive.

The purpose of comparing quantitative and qualitative research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Qualitative research provides detailed information through words, interviews, visuals like videos or artifacts, while quantitative research focuses on numerical and systematic aspects by constructing statistical models and figures to explain observations. In discussions, quantitative research often includes graphs and figures.

When conducting Quantitative Research, the treatment generally consists of tabular arrays that contain numerical and statistical data. In contrast, Qualitative Research adopts a subjective approach to comprehend human behavior and its underlying reasons. Researchers tend to engage extensively with the subject matter in this type of research. In the case of Quantitative Research, researchers strive to maintain an objective detachment from the subject matter. This is because Quantitative Research is objective and centered on acquiring precise measurements and analyzing target constructs for answering questions. Our group has opted for quantitative research as the methodology for this study.

Quantitative research is our preferred method as it offers precise information and analysis by measuring and analyzing data. It also enables easy translation of information into charts or graphs, saving both time and money compared to qualitative research methods. To conduct our quantitative research, we have opted for a questionnaire tool to collect data related to the problem statement. A questionnaire can gather responses from a large group

using statements or questions. This approach helps control for population factors, eliminate biases or ambiguous results, avoid irritation, and ultimately provide a conclusive answer.

We will conduct a survey of 25 questions to evaluate the impact of job statements on franchises. The survey will be given to a sample size of 20-25 individuals in various locations including offices, homes, shopping malls, and gasoline stations. Our main objective is to collect data and analyze it for accurate results.

Questionnaire Analysis

After examining 20 participants, we found that 18 are between the ages of 20-29 and 2 are between the ages of 30-39. Additionally, there is an equal distribution of gender among respondents with males accounting for 50% and females also comprising 50%.

According to a study of 20 people, the breakdown of professions is as follows: 3 individuals work in Sales, 4 are Professionals, 1 is an Education Consultant, 4 are students, 1 is a Chef, 1 works in Production, and there are also 2 Secretaries and an Executive. Additionally, there are 3 individuals working in Administration.

In terms of car preferences among these participants, Perodua is favored by 9 people while Proton is preferred by 5 individuals. Honda and Toyota each have one supporter, while Hyundai, Mini Cooper, and Chevrolet have one person selecting them each.

Regarding engine sizes within the group of twenty people surveyed: approximately 55% opt for engines between the range of 1.0 -14 milliliters while about 45% prefer engines within the range of15-20 milliliters.

Moving on to petrol station visits: around twelve individuals visit once a week or more frequently per week; four persons visit one to three times per week; and another four individuals

visit three to five times per week. When it comes to petrol station preference among this group of21persons Shell has been chosen by65%, Petronas & other stations are preferred by10%, and Esso/Petronby another15%.

Finally,in terms gas preferences among these consumers:95% choose RON95 due its affordability compared to RON97 whereas only5% chose RON97 because of its quality.

Based on a study of 20 people, it was found that among them, 3 individuals considered the cleanliness of the gasoline station to be excellent, while 14 people thought it was poor and 2 people thought it was unsatisfactory.
Similarly, among the same group of 20 people, 8 individuals agreed that the gasoline station provided good customer service, while 12 people disagreed.
In terms of consumer perception, based on this study, 85% of consumers believe that Shell offers more benefits, followed by 10% for Esso/Petron and the remaining 5% for other gasoline stations.
Regarding publicity, according to this study with a sample size of 20 people, 8 people think that the gasoline station has a significant amount of advertising, while 12 people do not share this opinion.
Analyzing where people frequently visit, from the same study group of 20 individuals, it was observed that 80% of them frequently see Shell petrol stations, while the remaining 20% visit Petronas gasoline stations.
Finally, in terms of customer loyalty, out of the 20 participants in the study, 15 individuals stated they would choose other petrol stations over the mentioned ones, while only 5 individuals would not choose any other petrol station even if their fuel indicator showed a critically low level (left A? armored combat vehicle).

Based on a study of 20 individuals, 15

people categorized the monetary value as expensive, while 5 people categorized it as just. In terms of predicting gasoline engine prices, 8 people predicted less than RM100, 5 people predicted RM100-RM200, 4 people predicted RM200-RM300, 2 people predicted RM300-RM400, and 1 individual predicted more than RM500. Additionally, only 4 people would consider taking public transportation to minimize fuel consumption, while the rest would not.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The research findings indicate that consumers' general perceptions regarding local and foreign gasoline, the characteristics of foreign and local crude oil brands, and demographic factors play a role in influencing consumer preferences for gasoline oil.

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad ( PDB ) is a majority-owned subordinate that markets a wide range of crude oil products, such as gasolene, Liquefied Petroleum Gas ( LPG ) , jet fuel, kerosine, Diesel, fuel oil, asphalt, and lubricators. On the other hand, Shell Oil Company is the U.S.-based subordinate of Royal Dutch Shell, which is a multinational oil company with Anglo-Dutch origins and is one of the largest oil companies globally. The U.S. headquarters of Shell Oil Company is located in Houston, Texas. It is a leading producer of oil and natural gas, as well as a seller of natural gas, gasolene, and petrochemicals in America. For our research, we have opted for quantitative research as our methodology because it allows for accurate measurement and analysis of data.

After conducting the entire research questionnaire procedure, the results indicate that Shell (60%) is the preferred Oil Company compared to the local trade name PETRONAS (10%). There are various advantages that make Shell the top crude oil in the local market. This can be attributed to Shell's

effective marketing strategies, encompassing advertising and publicity efforts, which have successfully garnered consumer attention and established a strong reputation and credibility. For instance, by spending RM60 on fuel, customers can participate in a RM20,000 lucky draw competition. Shell also offers BonusLink membership, allowing customers to accumulate points, as well as additional services such as car wash and clean restrooms. Moreover, many customers believe that Shell provides superior fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, we discovered that the majority of individuals select one brand over another due to variations in the planetary qualities associated with these brands. Instead of ignoring the planetary features of their brands, companies should learn to effectively handle these features. This is crucial as the potential growth for most companies is likely to arise from international markets.